AT MATINS

After the 1st Reading of the Psalter Kathismata of the Apostles.

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.

Tone 3. Awed by the beauty.

After the 2nd reading others.

**Theotokion.**

As All-powerful you have made the memory of your Apostles radiantly bright, Lord, for you gave them strength to imitate your sufferings; bravely they conquered the power of Beliar; therefore they have received gifts of healings. At their supplications, O Merciful, grant peace to

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.**

your people. ****

After the 3rd Reading other.

Their sound has gone out into all the earth; and their words to the end of the world.

Glory. Both now.

The Apostles of God the Word watered the earth with streams, and the ear of grain of the Faith sprouted and filled the ends of the earth, for they cut down all the cockle; therefore they brought all to Christ God, baptising them into the uncreated Trinity.

Awed by the beauty.**

As I called to mind the measureless wealth of your sympathy and the invincible might of your power, beset by trouble and in dread despair, I ran to your protection; crying with tears from the depths of my heart, I cry to you Virgin Mother of God, ‘Save me, save the unworthy!’

Come, let us all praise the Apostles with godly songs, for by drowning the error of idols they led mortals to divine light and taught them to believe in the Trinity; therefore as to-day we devoutly honour them, let us glorify Christ our God.

The heavens confess your wonders, Lord; and your truth in the Church of the Saints. ****

Same melody.

The far-famed and god-bearing Apostles, shining with deeds of right belief, quenched the error of false belief; enriching the world with true religion they radiantly adorned the Churches as they ask Christ God to grant peace to the faithful and his great mercy.

Drowning in a sea of passions I flee to the ocean of your pities, Mother of God, help me; stretch out your right hand to me your servant, All-Immaculate, save me as once your Son saved Peter; have mercy on a soul foundering in the billows of many offences.

In praise we hymn you, Nicholas, as herald of the truth and radiant beacon of the world, and as we ask in faith we cry out, ‘As you snatched the innocent from death, so rescue us, O Holy one, from dangers, affliction and every dread trouble.

God is wonderful in his Saints, the God of Israel. ****

Of the Martyrs.

Holy, all-praised Champions, through the faith you shone out as radiant beacons, physicians of the weak; for you were not cowed by the torments of tyrants but cast down the blasphemies of idols, having as an invincible trophy the Cross of the truth.

All-Immaculate Mother of God, you have been revealed as the all golden throne of the King and Paradise that flowers again; for you carried God in your womb and make us fragrant with divine graces; therefore we all ever proclaim you as truly Mother of God and we magnify you.